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Waterfalls

Why So Many Waterfalls?
Most of the waterfalls in this area are the result of water running over a shelf or cliff of hard limey sandstone called the Au Train Formation. This geologic formation resists erosion better than the softer sandstone layers just below it.

The Waterfalls site bulletin lists the major waterfalls in and around the national lakeshore. Please use caution while hiking to waterfalls. Stay on the trails and watch for uneven footing. Where permitted, pets must be on a 6-foot leash at all times. Pets are not permitted at all waterfalls.

Located within the city limits of Munising where Washington Street becomes Sand Point Road, near Munising Memorial Hospital.

Walk the paved 800-foot trail up the cool shaded sandstone canyon along Munising Creek to the base of the falls. Two sets of stairs lead to platforms to view the 50-foot waterfall as it drops over a sandstone cliff. Watch for ferns, wildflowers, and an occasional mink. In winter, the waterfall exhibits dramatic ice formations.

The parking lot is located about four miles north of H-58 off Miners Castle Road. The hike from the parking area to the waterfall is 1.2 miles round-trip.

A gravel path through the northwoods leads to two overlooks. Enjoy the Miners Falls Nature Trail and views of the Miners Basin along the way. The Miners River drops about 50 feet over a sandstone outcrop, creating the park's most powerful waterfall.

There are 64 steps down to the lower viewing platform at the falls. This is an especially beautiful trail in the springtime with abundant wildflowers. Miners Falls Trail Guide (pdf)

Pets are not permitted on the trail to Miners Falls, but are allowed in the parking lot and picnic area.

Located about a half-mile northeast of Miners Beach along the Pictured Rocks cliffs.

Bridalveil Falls is viewed best from the water, but can be seen at a distance from the lower Miners Castle overlook or from the west end of Miners Beach. The falls cannot be seen from atop or from the North Country Trail.

This is a seasonal waterfall that slows to a trickle in the summer and fall. Bridalveil Falls is often featured on postcards and publications about Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

Walking toward Mosquito Beach, a side trail leads almost a mile to the falls, which drops over an 8-foot high rock shelf on the Mosquito River. Watch for river otter and beaver in the stream. This is a lovely springtime trail through the forest carpeted with wildflowers.

Sable Falls
Located about one mile west of Grand Marais on Alger County Road H-58.

Sable Falls tumbles 75 feet over several cliffs of Munising and Jacobsville sandstone formations on its way to Lake Superior. The first viewing platform is down a long staircase of 169 steps. The walk from the parking area to this staircase is a short one.

The trail continues past the falls for about a half-mile down to a rock beach where Sable Creek flows into Lake Superior.

Pets are not permitted on the Sable Falls trails or staircase, but are allowed in the parking lot and picnic area.

Spray Falls plunges about 70 feet over the Pictured Rocks cliffs directly into Lake Superior. This remote waterfall is best viewed from the water as there is limited viewing access from the North Country Trail. The 1856 shipwreck "Superior" lies at the base of the falls in 20 feet of water.

Nearby Waterfalls
Estimates differ regarding the number of waterfalls in the Upper Peninsula, ranging from 150 to 300. Since waterfalls may be on private as well as public land; please be respectful of the area you are visiting.